How to Maintain Your Upgraded Electrical Panel, service panel upgrade
Introduction:
If you've recently upgraded your electric panel, congratulations! A newer, more efficient panel can help improve the safety and reliability of your home's electrical system. However, like any other system or appliance in your home, your electric panel requires maintenance to keep it functioning properly. In this article, we'll go over some tips for maintaining your upgraded electric panel.
- Keep the panel clean and dry
To ensure that your electric panel is functioning properly, it's important to keep it clean and dry. Dust and debris can accumulate on the panel and cause issues with the electrical system. Use a dry, soft cloth to gently dust the panel, and use a damp cloth to wipe away any dirt or grime. Be sure to turn off the power to the panel before cleaning it.
- Keep the panel well-ventilated
Your electric panel needs proper ventilation to prevent overheating. Make sure there is at least three inches of space between the panel and any nearby walls or objects, and avoid blocking the panel's ventilation openings.
- Don't overload the panel
One of the main reasons for upgrading an electric panel is to increase its capacity to handle the electrical needs of your home. However, it's still important to be mindful of the panel's limits and not overload it. Avoid plugging in too many appliances or electronics at once, and avoid using extension cords or power strips that could overload the circuit.
- Use the proper size circuit breaker or fuse
Using the wrong size circuit breaker or fuse can cause issues with your electric panel. Be sure to use the proper size, as specified in the manufacturer's instructions.
- Test the panel regularly
To ensure that your electric panel is functioning properly, it's a good idea to test it regularly. You can do this by turning off and on each circuit breaker or fuse to make sure it's working correctly. If you're not comfortable testing the panel yourself, have a licensed electrical contractor (also known as a master electrician) do it for you.
- Keep track of the panel's age and warranty
It's important to keep track of the age of your electric panel, as well as any warranties that may be in effect. This information can be useful if you need to have the panel repaired or replaced.
Conclusion:
Maintaining your upgraded electric panel is an important part of keeping your home's electrical system safe and reliable. By following these tips, you can help ensure that your electric panel is functioning properly and can help prevent issues such as circuit breaker trips or blown fuses. If you're not comfortable performing maintenance on your electric panel, be sure to have a master electrician handle it for you.